MTFCA Forum

For you expert welders what is best rod to weld replacement peddals to activating? Arms? I'm using DC stick machine.
Thanks in advance

I'm used 6013 don't like result

I would have done the same. Others might have used 7018 rods

7018 on DC. Slight preheat

Just to add- cut the spliced area at a diagonal rather than 90 degrees to the length of the pedal shank as it will give you a much stronger joint.

Dan
I've done as you advise
Do you think nirod would be stronger than 6013
Thanks

Use 1/8” 6011 rods. Run them around 90 amps. They will make you a smooth weld and better penetration than 6013.
Before you start to use your welder get you some scrap steel about the same thickness of the pedals and make some practice welds to set you welder to what’s suitable for you.
Some like to run a ‘hot weld’ using a little more speed than normal. That’s works OK if you are a experienced welder and know how to control your speed and heat. What ever you do practice a bit before you make the weld.
And do as Dan says to vee the joints a bit to give you a good weld.

Veeing out the joint to get good penetration is also a good idea, but I was referring to running the actual joint itself at a diagonal in the direction from the shaft end of the pedal shank to the pedal tip.

Last summer I wanted to install new peddle pads and was told about the difficulty welding the new shaft to the old ones. I welded one, it looked good then tested its strength. It broke like glass right at the weld interface. For safety purposes I decided to carefully cut the short shaft off the back of the new peddle and then cut off the original right and left side of the original pad. The new pad was then welded to the complete original peddle shaft. With a little hand fitting the peddle curvature before welding you can make it look just like original. If it should ever break off at least the peddles will still be functional to get back home.

I’ve had good luck with stainless steel filler rod and TIG welding. Not sure how bout stick welding with stainless tho...?

I will second 7018 rod. I would use 3/32 @about 90 amps. I have used it very successfully. 7018 is a malleable rod and is a perfect match with the pedal material. 100% weld is easily obtained by chisel shaping the joints, like said making the joint at an angle will make the joints longer and stronger. Be sure and grind into the back side of your first pass to achieve 100% Also alternate sides as you build it out. Use a needle gun if you have one to stress relief it. If not chip it well and use a sanding disk to finish.